What started as a typical sunny Friday afternoon near San Diego’s popular waterfront quickly turned into a scene no one expected.
Tourists and locals alike were stunned when a large private boat crashed directly into the USS Midway, the city’s beloved floating naval museum.
Boat Collides With Historic Warship in Broad Daylight
The crash happened just before 2 p.m., when 40-year-old Frank D’Anna allegedly steered his 65-foot private boat, named Offshore Lifestyle, straight into the side of the USS Midway.
The retired aircraft carrier, now a major tourist attraction docked in the harbor, was visibly dented from the impact.
In a video that quickly made the rounds online—captured by WarshipCam—the smaller vessel can be seen approaching the massive warship head-on before ramming into it, causing quite the spectacle for those nearby.
Tourists Watch in Horror as the Vessel Smashes Into the USS Midway
Dozens of bystanders watched the whole thing unfold from nearby attractions, including the famous Unconditional Surrender statue—the iconic sculpture depicting the World War II victory kiss.
According to witnesses, the sound of the collision was deafening.
“People were visibly shaken. You could hear the crash from a distance,” one onlooker said.
Damage Estimated at $100,000, But No Injuries Reported
Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, thankfully, no one was hurt.
The USS Midway sustained damage to its hull, requiring repairs and repainting, particularly to its corrosion protection system. The estimated cost? Around $100,000.
D’Anna’s vessel, on the other hand, suffered only minor damage and never appeared in danger of sinking.
Suspect Tried to Flee But Was Caught in the Bay
After the crash, the Offshore Lifestyle reportedly tried to leave the scene. But the attempt didn’t last long.
Law enforcement intercepted the boat in San Diego Bay, near the Coronado Ferry Landing, and questioned the seven people aboard.
All fingers pointed to D’Anna as the person behind the wheel, and police arrested him on the spot.
Charges Include Boating Under the Influence and Hit-and-Run
Authorities confirmed that D’Anna was charged with Boating Under the Influence (BUI), hit-and-run, and operating a vessel with a blood alcohol level over .08.
If convicted, he could be looking at up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Internet Reacts With Humor—And Concern
Unsurprisingly, the crash video didn’t just make headlines—it also drew plenty of jokes online.
One person commented, “You can’t park here, sir,” while another quipped, “Your Honor, the Midway pulled right out in front of me.”
But behind the laughs, many San Diegans are taking the incident seriously.
Locals Call for Safety Measures and Accountability
James Hickson, a downtown San Diego resident, said, “If drunk driving was involved, that’s a selfish and dangerous decision. It could’ve ended much worse.”
Navy veteran Jagjit Bhambra, who happened to be visiting the Midway, was equally baffled.
“How do you not see that massive ship? It’s right there,” he said.
His wife, Mary Bhambra, raised concerns about security around the Midway, suggesting that some kind of protective barrier or monitoring system should be considered in the future.
Investigation Still Underway as USS Midway Museum Remains Open
As of now, both the Port of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum have yet to release additional comments.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Still, the Midway remains open to the public.
The aircraft carrier, which was commissioned in 1945, shortly after World War II ended, is a cornerstone of San Diego’s harbor and draws millions of visitors each year.